Before I went to Japan and started to teach kids, I ran a late night cafe in Dublin.
Its an unacceptable situation that the TEFL industry has to look at.
Havin a bit of fun!
Havin’ a bit of fun!
After a while, I was pretty much structuring my lessons around song.
I would include at least four or five songs in a forty-minute lesson.
Songs are a great way to get the languagein!
This is accepted by most teachers nowadays.
It always amazes me that there are some who still dont embrace music and movement.
In fact, I dont know how they survive!
Do you have any tips for using songs in the classroom?
Give everyone something todo.
Students can make simple instruments out of recycled materials and that will keep the whole class involved.
This creates a stronger connection between the lyrics and the meaning.
Get the rhythm going and the tune will follow easily.
Divide the class into half or groups and break the song up, singing to each other.
A bit of competition can even be fun and a good way to get the energy up.
Singing rounds and parts will make it sound very professional!
Think about how the song ties in with your curriculum.
With a ready-made course, that hard work has already been done for you.
Look to combine your favourite storybooks with appropriate songs and vice versa.
Once the language isin, double-check you give students enough ways of getting the languageoutagain to really use it!
How about songs in your books?
When I started authoring textbooks I was very happy to be allowed to make songs a major component.
Actually,Everybody Uphas more songs than any other primary course.
We really couldnt have been luckier.
Its something that would never have been possible before the easy access of technology and social media.
Watching the videos come in from around the world has been the highlight of my career so far.
What are your Super Simple Principles?
I madethis videoabout my beliefs about teaching kids:
…and these are the life principles Iaspireto!
Always keep enough Blu-Tack, batteries and printer ink in the house.
Reuse tins and boxes.
Take plenty of breaks.
Get plenty of fresh air.
Dont follow the crowd unless you think that they are going the right way.
Dont forget pencils, paper and paint.
Take long walks, even in the rain.
Eat and drink healthily.
Keep asking for what you want until you get it.
Maintain your sense of wonder.
Get up at dawn.
Break big tasks into small steps.
Buy a squirrel feeder.
Pick your battles carefully.
Think before you speak.
If you’re free to, buy a Mac.
Get out of breath.
Keep your eyes on the road.
Get your hands dirty.
Avoid small fiddly things.
Beware of disputes with teenagers or spouses.
Real world beats Screenworld.
Work out who you are and make a run at be that person.
Join theEverybody Up Global Sing-along.
Oh and whats my favourite Super Simple Song?
It would have to beSkidamarink!
Patrick spent 13 years in Japan teaching learners of all ages but is now based in Dublin, Ireland.
He is the author of Potato Pals, Stars and Everybody Up,all published by Oxford University Press.
Patrick tweets atpatjack67and blogs atpatjack67.com.
